US3259716A - Magnetically operated switch - Google Patents

Magnetically operated switch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3259716A
US3259716A US412350A US41235064A US3259716A US 3259716 A US3259716 A US 3259716A US 412350 A US412350 A US 412350A US 41235064 A US41235064 A US 41235064A US 3259716 A US3259716 A US 3259716A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
door
permanent magnet
switch
magnetic reed
reed switch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US412350A
Inventor
Ole K Nilssen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ford Motor Co
Original Assignee
Ford Motor Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ford Motor Co filed Critical Ford Motor Co
Priority to US412350A priority Critical patent/US3259716A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3259716A publication Critical patent/US3259716A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
    • H01H36/0006—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches
    • H01H36/0046—Limit switches, also fail-safe operation or anti-tamper considerations

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a switching mechanism and more particularly to a switching mechanism that may be used to control the courtesy light in an automotive vehicle.
  • a courtesy fully closed position to open the switch and de-energize the courtesy lamp.
  • the present invention presents improvements over the currently used system in that it is more durable, less complicated, and more economical.
  • the present invention includes a magnetic reed switch or relay positioned in the body structure adjacent an edge of the vehicle door. This switch mechanism is coupled to the battery of the automotive vehicle and to the courtesy lamp and will energize the lamp when the switch is closed.
  • a permanent magnet movable between a first position adjacent the magnetic reed switch and a second position remote therefrom is provided that has sufiicient magnetomotive force to close the magnetic reed switch when it is in the first position.
  • the magnet is normally biased into this first position when the door is in the open position thereby causing the courtesy lamp to be energized.
  • Means are provided on the door for engaging the permanent magnet and moving it into its second position when the door is closed. In this position, the magnetornotive force of the permanent magnet is insufiicient to keep the magnetic reed switch closed. As a result, the courtesy lamp is de-energized or extinguished when the door is closed.
  • An object of the invention is the provision of a durable, uncomplicated and economical switching mechanism.
  • a further object of the invention is the provision of a simple, durable and economical switching mechanism suitable for use as an automotive courtesy lamp switch.
  • a further object of the invention is the provision of a courtesy lamp system in an automotive vehicle that incorporates a durable, uncomplicated and economical switching mechanism operated by the opening and closing of a vehicle door.
  • FIGURE 1 is a sectional view through a vehicle body structure and door showing the magnetic reed switch and permanent magnet, and
  • FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken along the lines 22 and including an electrical schematic showing the courtesy lamp and source of electrical energy.
  • FIGURE 1 an automotive body structure having a door 11 movably mounted thereon by means of a hinge 12.
  • a normally open magnetic reed switch 13 is supported within the body structure 10 by means of hangers 14 and 15 constructed of 'a nonmagnetic material, for example, plastic. These hangers may be bonded to a structural member 16 of the automotive body structure 10 and have depending cylindrical openings, one of which is shown at 17, for receiving the normally open magnetic reed switch 13.
  • the means for movably mounting the permanent magnet 21 may take the form of an integrally depending web 23 and flange 24 that is bonded to a bracket 20 affixed to the member 22.
  • the normally open magnetic switch 13 has a first reed 26 and a second reed 27 positioned within a housing 28.
  • the reed 26 is connected through lead 31 to the positive terminal 32 of the battery or source of electrical energy 33.
  • the other terminal 34 of the source of electrical energy or battery 33 is grounded.
  • the reed 27 is connected through lead 34 to one terminal of courtesy lamp 35.
  • the other terminal of the courtesy lamp is grounded through lead 36.
  • the permanent magnet 21 is positioned closely adjacent the magnetic reed relay or switch 13 when the door 11 is in an open position, and it is polarized in an axial direction to complete a magnetic circuit through the reeds 26 and 27.
  • the magnetomotive force produced by the permanent magnet 21 when it is in the position shown is suflicient to close the reeds 26 and 27. This completes a circuit from the battery 33 to the courtesy lamp 35 thereby energizing this lamp and providing illumination for the interior of the automotive vehicle when the door 11 is in the open position.
  • the automotive body structure 10 has an end wall 41 with an opening 42 positioned therein adjacent the permanent magnet 21.
  • the door 11 has a mating structural edge member 43 having a plunger or protrusion 44 positioned thereon that will enter the body structure 10 through the opening 42 and engage the permanent magnet.
  • the length of the plunger or protrusion 34 is such that the permanent magnet will be moved into the dotted line position shown in FIGURE 1 so that the magnetomotive force on the reeds 26 and 27 is no longer sufiicient to keep the magnetic switch 13 closed.
  • the reeds 26 and 27 will open and the courtesy lamp 35 will be de-energized.
  • the present invention thus provides an uncomplicated, reliable and durable switching mechanism that may be advantageously employed as an automatic courtesy lamp switch. It also provides a courtesy lamp system for an automotive vehicle that is inexpensive and reliable.
  • a body structure a door mounted on said body structure for movement into an open position and a fully closed position, a magnetic reed switch mounted in said body structure, a permanent magnet flexibly mounted adjacent said magnetic reed switch and providing sufficient magnetomotive force on said magnetic reed switch to cause said switch to close, and means mounted on said door and engaging said permanent magnet when said door is fully closed for moving said permanent magnet sufiiciently from said magnetic reed switch to cause said switch to open.
  • a body structure a door hinged to said body structure for swinging movement into an open and a closed position, a magnetic reed switch switchable between an open and a closed position mounted in said body structure adjacent an edge of said door, a permanent magnet, flexible mounting means mounting said permanent magnet in close proximity to said magnetic reed switch, said permanent magnet providing sufficient magnetomotive force on said magnetic reed switch to cause said switch to be switched to one of said positions, and means mounted on said door engaging said permanent magnet for moving said permanent magnet to a position sufficiently removed from said magnetic reed switch to cause said magnetic reed switch to be switched to the other position when the door is fully closed.
  • a body structure In an automotive vehicle, a body structure, a door hinged to said body structure for swinging movement magnet is in its normal unbiased position in close proximity to said normally open reed switch, and means mounted on said door for moving said permanent magnet to a position sufliciently removed from said magnetic reed switch to cause said magnetic reed switch to open when said door is fully closed.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Switches That Are Operated By Magnetic Or Electric Fields (AREA)

Description

y 1966 0. K. NlLSSEN 3,259,716
MAGNETICALLY OPERATED SWITCH Filed NOV. 19, 1964 32 OLE K. NILSSEN INVENTOR A T TORNEVS United States Patent 3,259,716 MAGNETICALLY OPERATED SWITCH Ole. K. Nilssen, Livonia, Mich., assignor to The Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 19,1964, Ser. No. 412,350 3 Claims. (Cl. 200-87) This invention relates to a switching mechanism and more particularly to a switching mechanism that may be used to control the courtesy light in an automotive vehicle.
In automotive vehicles, there is provided a courtesy fully closed position to open the switch and de-energize the courtesy lamp.
The present invention presents improvements over the currently used system in that it is more durable, less complicated, and more economical. The present invention includes a magnetic reed switch or relay positioned in the body structure adjacent an edge of the vehicle door. This switch mechanism is coupled to the battery of the automotive vehicle and to the courtesy lamp and will energize the lamp when the switch is closed.
A permanent magnet movable between a first position adjacent the magnetic reed switch and a second position remote therefrom is provided that has sufiicient magnetomotive force to close the magnetic reed switch when it is in the first position. The magnet is normally biased into this first position when the door is in the open position thereby causing the courtesy lamp to be energized. Means are provided on the door for engaging the permanent magnet and moving it into its second position when the door is closed. In this position, the magnetornotive force of the permanent magnet is insufiicient to keep the magnetic reed switch closed. As a result, the courtesy lamp is de-energized or extinguished when the door is closed.
An object of the invention is the provision of a durable, uncomplicated and economical switching mechanism.
A further object of the invention is the provision of a simple, durable and economical switching mechanism suitable for use as an automotive courtesy lamp switch.
A further object of the invention is the provision of a courtesy lamp system in an automotive vehicle that incorporates a durable, uncomplicated and economical switching mechanism operated by the opening and closing of a vehicle door.
Other objects and attendant advantages of the present invention may be more readily realized as the specification is considered in connection with the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a sectional view through a vehicle body structure and door showing the magnetic reed switch and permanent magnet, and
FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken along the lines 22 and including an electrical schematic showing the courtesy lamp and source of electrical energy.
Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views thereof, there is shown in FIGURE 1 an automotive body structure having a door 11 movably mounted thereon by means of a hinge 12. A normally open magnetic reed switch 13 is supported within the body structure 10 by means of hangers 14 and 15 constructed of 'a nonmagnetic material, for example, plastic. These hangers may be bonded to a structural member 16 of the automotive body structure 10 and have depending cylindrical openings, one of which is shown at 17, for receiving the normally open magnetic reed switch 13.
A permanent magnet 21, preferably of the rubber based type, is movably mounted on a structural member 22 of v the automotive body structure 10. The means for movably mounting the permanent magnet 21 may take the form of an integrally depending web 23 and flange 24 that is bonded to a bracket 20 affixed to the member 22.
The normally open magnetic switch 13 has a first reed 26 and a second reed 27 positioned within a housing 28. The reed 26 is connected through lead 31 to the positive terminal 32 of the battery or source of electrical energy 33. The other terminal 34 of the source of electrical energy or battery 33 is grounded. The reed 27 is connected through lead 34 to one terminal of courtesy lamp 35. The other terminal of the courtesy lamp is grounded through lead 36.
As shown, the permanent magnet 21 is positioned closely adjacent the magnetic reed relay or switch 13 when the door 11 is in an open position, and it is polarized in an axial direction to complete a magnetic circuit through the reeds 26 and 27. The magnetomotive force produced by the permanent magnet 21 when it is in the position shown is suflicient to close the reeds 26 and 27. This completes a circuit from the battery 33 to the courtesy lamp 35 thereby energizing this lamp and providing illumination for the interior of the automotive vehicle when the door 11 is in the open position.
The automotive body structure 10 has an end wall 41 with an opening 42 positioned therein adjacent the permanent magnet 21. The door 11 has a mating structural edge member 43 having a plunger or protrusion 44 positioned thereon that will enter the body structure 10 through the opening 42 and engage the permanent magnet. The length of the plunger or protrusion 34 is such that the permanent magnet will be moved into the dotted line position shown in FIGURE 1 so that the magnetomotive force on the reeds 26 and 27 is no longer sufiicient to keep the magnetic switch 13 closed. As a result, when the door is closed and the permanent magnet 21 is moved into this position, the reeds 26 and 27 will open and the courtesy lamp 35 will be de-energized.
When the door is again opened and the plunger or protrusion 44 on the edge member 43 of the door 11 is removed from engagement with the permanent magnet 21 and passes through the opening 42, the web member 23 which is constructed of resilient rubber-like material, will move the permanent magnet back into the position shown in FIGURE 1. As a result, the reeds 26 and 27 will agaicrli close and the courtesy lamp 35 will again be energize It can be appreciated that there may be many variations of the movable mounting structure for the permanent magnet 21 and of the means for supporting the magnetic reed switch 13 in the body structure 10.
The present invention thus provides an uncomplicated, reliable and durable switching mechanism that may be advantageously employed as an automatic courtesy lamp switch. It also provides a courtesy lamp system for an automotive vehicle that is inexpensive and reliable.
It is to be understood that this invention is not to be limited to the exact construction shown and described, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
I claim:
1. In an automotive vehicle, a body structure, a door mounted on said body structure for movement into an open position and a fully closed position, a magnetic reed switch mounted in said body structure, a permanent magnet flexibly mounted adjacent said magnetic reed switch and providing sufficient magnetomotive force on said magnetic reed switch to cause said switch to close, and means mounted on said door and engaging said permanent magnet when said door is fully closed for moving said permanent magnet sufiiciently from said magnetic reed switch to cause said switch to open.
2. In an automotive vehicle, a body structure, a door hinged to said body structure for swinging movement into an open and a closed position, a magnetic reed switch switchable between an open and a closed position mounted in said body structure adjacent an edge of said door, a permanent magnet, flexible mounting means mounting said permanent magnet in close proximity to said magnetic reed switch, said permanent magnet providing sufficient magnetomotive force on said magnetic reed switch to cause said switch to be switched to one of said positions, and means mounted on said door engaging said permanent magnet for moving said permanent magnet to a position sufficiently removed from said magnetic reed switch to cause said magnetic reed switch to be switched to the other position when the door is fully closed.
3. In an automotive vehicle, a body structure, a door hinged to said body structure for swinging movement magnet is in its normal unbiased position in close proximity to said normally open reed switch, and means mounted on said door for moving said permanent magnet to a position sufliciently removed from said magnetic reed switch to cause said magnetic reed switch to open when said door is fully closed.
References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,076,877 2/1963 DArcy 20087 3,151,224 9/1964 Colucci 20061.62 3,176,097 3/1965 Wood 20087 BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.
B. DOBECK, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE, A BODY STRUCTURE, A DOOR MOUNTED ON SAID BODY STRUCTURE FOR MOVEMENT INTO AN OPEN POSITION AND A FULLY CLOSED POSITION, A MAGNETIC REED SWITCH MOUNTED IN SAID BODY STRUCTURE, A PERMANENT MAGNET FLEXIBLY MOUNTED ADJACENT SAID MAGNETIC REED SWITCH AND PROVIDING SUFFICIENT MAGNETOMOTIVE FORCE ON SAID MAGNETIC REED SWITCH TO CAUSE SAID SWITCH TO CLOSE, AND MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID DOOR AND ENGAGING SAID PERMANENT MAGNET WHEN SAID DOOR IS FULLY CLOSED FOR MOVING SAID PERMANENT MAGNET SUFFICIENTLY FROM SAID MAGNETIC REED SWITCH TO CAUSE SAID SWITCH TO OPEN.
US412350A 1964-11-19 1964-11-19 Magnetically operated switch Expired - Lifetime US3259716A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US412350A US3259716A (en) 1964-11-19 1964-11-19 Magnetically operated switch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US412350A US3259716A (en) 1964-11-19 1964-11-19 Magnetically operated switch

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3259716A true US3259716A (en) 1966-07-05

Family

ID=23632656

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US412350A Expired - Lifetime US3259716A (en) 1964-11-19 1964-11-19 Magnetically operated switch

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3259716A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3370800A (en) * 1965-02-19 1968-02-27 Zellweger Uster Ag Apparatus for switching auxiliary work performers into operation with textile machinery
US3751086A (en) * 1972-07-12 1973-08-07 A Geringer Fail-safe means for solenoid actuated devices
US4107492A (en) * 1976-05-05 1978-08-15 Robertshaw Controls Company Pneumatic operated switch having movable flag, switch actuator mounted thereon, and switch in chamber displaced from measured flow path
US4174564A (en) * 1976-05-05 1979-11-20 Robertshaw Controls Company Pneumatic indicator device and method of making the same
DE19547199A1 (en) * 1995-12-18 1997-06-19 Valeo Deutschland Gmbh & Co Automobile steering lock ignition switch
US20100066294A1 (en) * 2008-09-15 2010-03-18 Caterpillar Inc. Method and apparatus for detecting phase current imbalance in a power generator
US8966974B2 (en) 2011-02-18 2015-03-03 Gems Sensors, Inc. Pivoted float liquid level sensor having a magnetically actuated switch

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3076877A (en) * 1960-05-18 1963-02-05 D Arcy James Magnetically controlled switch
US3151224A (en) * 1960-07-28 1964-09-29 Alfa Romeo Spa Device controlling the lighting of lamps inside motor vehicles and the like
US3176097A (en) * 1963-07-01 1965-03-30 Gen Electric Pushbutton magnetic switch with a memory

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3076877A (en) * 1960-05-18 1963-02-05 D Arcy James Magnetically controlled switch
US3151224A (en) * 1960-07-28 1964-09-29 Alfa Romeo Spa Device controlling the lighting of lamps inside motor vehicles and the like
US3176097A (en) * 1963-07-01 1965-03-30 Gen Electric Pushbutton magnetic switch with a memory

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3370800A (en) * 1965-02-19 1968-02-27 Zellweger Uster Ag Apparatus for switching auxiliary work performers into operation with textile machinery
US3751086A (en) * 1972-07-12 1973-08-07 A Geringer Fail-safe means for solenoid actuated devices
US4107492A (en) * 1976-05-05 1978-08-15 Robertshaw Controls Company Pneumatic operated switch having movable flag, switch actuator mounted thereon, and switch in chamber displaced from measured flow path
US4174564A (en) * 1976-05-05 1979-11-20 Robertshaw Controls Company Pneumatic indicator device and method of making the same
DE19547199A1 (en) * 1995-12-18 1997-06-19 Valeo Deutschland Gmbh & Co Automobile steering lock ignition switch
US20100066294A1 (en) * 2008-09-15 2010-03-18 Caterpillar Inc. Method and apparatus for detecting phase current imbalance in a power generator
US8966974B2 (en) 2011-02-18 2015-03-03 Gems Sensors, Inc. Pivoted float liquid level sensor having a magnetically actuated switch
US9709435B2 (en) 2011-02-18 2017-07-18 Gems Sensors Inc. Pivoted float liquid level sensor having a magnetically actuated switch

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3426166A (en) Magnetic closure and switch for doors and similar devices
ES480206A1 (en) Lock for the doors of automobiles
US3259716A (en) Magnetically operated switch
GB1384974A (en) Door operating device
US4543515A (en) Motor controlling switch device
US3916250A (en) Door lock lighting system
US3691490A (en) Magnetic switch apparatus
US4403172A (en) Vehicle interior light control system
US3215806A (en) Push-pull switch
US2545965A (en) Master switch
GB2058200A (en) Door Locking Installation
US3525296A (en) Air pressure release device for an enclosure
JPS57186544A (en) Auxiliary automobile headlight with cover
US3048673A (en) Switching device
US5325078A (en) Gravity actuated magnetic switch
US3151224A (en) Device controlling the lighting of lamps inside motor vehicles and the like
GB1408313A (en) Latch mechanism control assembly
GB1470387A (en)
ES2017342A6 (en) Device for concealing objects in automobiles.
US3172080A (en) Vehicle warning system
US3300755A (en) Automatic lighting and warning system
US1595831A (en) Illuminated switch
GB1163389A (en) Current-Supply Circuit for Switches Actuating Window-Control Devices in Motor Vehicles
GB739938A (en) Improvements relating to entrance lighting means for motor vehicles
US3135893A (en) Headlight control arrangement